WE took the five biggest names in British boxing and asked the public one simple question "Who are they?"

Time was when the likes of Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Frank Bruno were among the most popular faces in British sport, appearing on chat shows and prime-time TV. Today's fighters are more like the invisible men.

Out of 100 people in our High Street Challenge, only TWO could name all five. Step forward Martin Smith from Kent and Tom Murphy from London. The most recognised of all the fighters was Olympic champion Audley Harrison, with a 50 per cent success rate. He's the fighter who has most recently appeared on terrestrial TV, although the Beeb have now pulled the plug on him, too.

Joe Calzaghe was second (21 per cent), Ricky Hatton third (19 per cent) and Danny Williams came fourth with 12 per cent, although the test took place days before his sensational win against Mike Tyson. Matt Skelton, the British heavyweight champion, was only recognised by THREE per cent.

More than 40 per cent of those we asked didn't know a single boxer.

That is why telly companies have fallen out of love with the sport - and that in turn is why our top boxers, as talented as they may be, are no longer household names.

NOW TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

So, is British boxing on its knees? Write to Boxing In Crisis, The SP, 1 Canada Sq, London E14 5AP or e-mail sport@people.co.uk with your views.